Secrets of Cuba

Cuba is a unique country infused with vibrant Latin flavours and stuck in a time warp – charming colonial towns are left crumbling, sugar mills are deserted, and rusty 1950s cars still chug along the streets.

Our tour of this beautiful island offers a fascinating insight into its colourful history: visiting Old Havana, the picturesque province of Pinar Del Rio, the colonial towns of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, as well as many important sites associated with the revolution.

Tour overview:
•   Explore Havana, the colourful capital
•   Discover the the tobacco growing province of Pinar del Rio
•   Visit the famous Bay of Pigs
•   Stay in the colonial town of Cienfuegos
•   Peruse the World Heritage-listed town of Trinidad
•   Learn about Che Guevara in Santa Clara
•   Unwind on white-sand beaches in Jibacoa

MEAL PLAN
Prices include:
•   Breakfast daily
•   Lunch on Days 2, 4-8 and 10-14
•   Dinner on Days 4-14

TAXES
•   Prices include pre-paid government taxes
•   Prices do not include departure taxes payable locally

ACCOMMODATION
•   Three star accommodation is used throughout
•   When away from main tourist cities, accommodation is often simple and food and service may not be to other countries’ standards
•   However, staying in these less visited areas offers a captivating insight into this fascinating nation’s culture and history

GRATUITIES
•   Tips are often the main source of income for those working in the travel industry and whilst at your discretion, can vastly improve service levels

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 26 passengers

TRAVEL TIPS
•   Learning a little Spanish before you travel can help to add to your appreciation of this country

NB
•   Cuban food and service may not be to the same standard experienced in other destinations
•   Specialised diets cannot be catered for and choice for vegetarians is often limited.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO HAVANA
Fly from London to Havana with Virgin Atlantic. On arrival transfer to the Nacional de Cuba for three nights.

DAY 2 - HAVANA
Enjoy time exploring Cuba's vibrant capital with a walking tour of World Heritage-listed Old Havana. Enjoy visits to a rum factory, the Museum of the Revolution to learn more about the island's history and San Carlos de la Cabaña. After lunch at a local restaurant visit the Cigar House and Revolution Square for further insight into this fascinating capital.

DAY 3 - HAVANA
Spend a day at leisure in the enchanting capital.

DAY 4 - HAVANA TO CHARCO AZUL
Journey west to the picturesque tobacco-growing province of Pinar del Rio which is home to limestone mountains, lush valleys and vast pine forests. Spend three nights in the Charco Azul region at Rancho Charco Azul. Explore the stunning countryside during a guided nature walk.

DAY 5 - CHARCO AZUL/VIÑALES
Today enjoy an optional full day excursion (payable locally) to visit the beautiful Viñales Valley which has been declared a World Heritage Cultural Landscape by  UNESCO. Alternatively spend a day at leisure in this tranquil region which is renowned for its rich flora, with many species of trees, shrubs, wild orchids and ferns.

DAY 6 - CHARCO AZUL
Visit the Soroa Orchidarium, a beautiful botanical garden bursting with delicate blooms. Continue to Las Terrazas for a 'Love, Nature and History' tour before returning to Charco Azul.

DAY 7 - CHARCO AZUL TO PLAYA LARGA
Transfer through Cuba’s rural countryside to Playa Larga in Matanzas Province. Spend one night at Playa Larga Hotel which lies on a white sand beach on the Zapata Peninsula which is one of the Caribbean's largest wetlands and is home to a variety of wildlife including some endemic bird species. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the Crocodile Farm.

DAY 8 - PLAYA LARGA TO CIENFUEGOS
Travel the short distance to Playa Giron, more famously known as the Bay of Pigs. Visit a small museum dedicated to the ill-fated US-lead invasion in 1961. Continue to the charming colonial town of Cienfuegos on the island's south coast for two nights at La Jagua. Take a tour of the city, visiting historic sights including the ornate Palacio de Valle and the grand Teatro Tomás Terry.

DAY 9 - CIENFUEGOS
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore this lovely destination.

DAY 10 - CIENFUEGOS TO SANTA CLARA
Travel to the World Heritage-listed town of Trinidad which is replete with colourful houses and cobbled streets. Enjoy a tour of some of the city's main sights. Admire beautiful colonial antiques at the Museo Romántico, the striking Torre Manaca-Iznaga, and La Canchanchara, a famous colonial tavern that paints a picture of traditional Cuba. Continue to Santa Clara for two nights at charming La Granjita.

DAY 11 - SANTA CLARA
Santa Clara in Cuba's heartland was the site of a decisive battle of the Revolution won by Che Guevara in 1958. During a city tour you will visit the Che Guevara square, memorial and museum, as well as the Armoured Train. In the afternoon visit a cigar factory and learn more about Cuba's most famous export.

DAY 12 - SANTA CLARA TO JIBACOA
Finish the tour with three nights (or longer if you prefer) at the fantastic all inclusive Breezes Jibacoa, relaxing on the beautiful white-sand beaches of Jibacoa on Cuba’s north coast.

DAY 15 - JIBACOA TO LONDON
Transfer back to Havana for your return flight with Virgin Atlantic to London, arriving the following day.